From June 23 to July 4, the international large-scale exercise “Anatolian Eagle 25” (“AE 25”) took place at the 3rd Main Jet Base in Konya, Central Anatolia, -> Review of the “Anatolian Eagle 23”) took place. With around 130,000 square kilometers of airspace and altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, it is regarded as the European counterpart to the US exercise “Red Flag” – and is now one of the four most important training formats for tactical air operations worldwide. An article by Tieme Festner (DAPPA) and Willem-Sander Termorshuizen.
Ever since the conflicts in Kuwait, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, it has been clear that air forces play a central role in deterrence, crisis response and the outcome of modern wars. This realization has shaped the self-image of many air forces – including that of the Turkish Air Force (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri).
A far-reaching transformation process began in Turkey in the early 1980s. Under the motto: “As modern as weapons may be – it is people who use them”, investments were consistently made in infrastructure, training and weapons technology. Operational and maneuver experience from internal security, but also from international engagements in the Balkans, strengthened the tactical foundation of the air force.
Today, the Turkish Air Force is one of the most capable in Europe and the Middle East – and is able to provide partner nations with operational know-how. A visible symbol of this development is the multinational large-scale exercise “Anatolian Eagle”, which has been carried out regularly since the premiere of “AE 01” in June 2001.
In view of its geostrategic position close to global energy sources, politically unstable neighboring states and regional armament, Turkey is forced to operate an air force with state-of-the-art equipment and the highest level of training – not only for national defense, but also to ensure regional stability.
The US “Red Flag” as a model
The concept and objectives of the “Anatolian Eagle” exercises are strongly based on the US model “Red Flag”, which is regularly hosted by Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Alongside Red Flag, the Canadian “Maple Flag” and India’s “Tactical Air Combat Evaluation Program”, Anatolian Eagle is now one of the four leading tactical air force centers worldwide – and the only one of its kind in Europe.
The Turkish Air Force’s first encounter with the “Red Flag” concept dates back to 1983, when a six-man team of four pilots and two weapons systems officers were sent to Nellis as observers and flew two missions in US aircraft.
The first active participation finally took place between August 9 and 23, 1997 with six F-16s and 57 Turkish Air Force soldiers. Subsequently, Turkish and US squadrons organized two joint exercises at İncirlik Air Base – first from 2 to 15 May 1998 and again from 21 September to 2 October of the same year – under the name “Anatolian Flag”, a direct predecessor format of “AE”.
After a further “Red Flag” participation in January/February 2000, the concrete planning of the first own high-value exercise was finally started in June 2000 on the instructions of the Turkish Air Force Command: “Anatolian Eagle 01”, which became reality in June 2001 – and since then has been regularly carried out as customized multinational high-value training at the intersection of NATOMiddle East and Central Asia.
High-quality training at NATO level
The “Anatolian Eagle” Training Center in Konya is now one of the leading tactical air force centers in the world. It offers the Turkish Air Force and allied nations realistic combat exercises in a highly threatening, technologically sophisticated environment – significantly more complex than conventional squadron or unit training. Factors such as airspace size, tactical ranges, electronic threat simulations and the number of aircraft involved enable a level of training that far exceeds regular formation exercises.
The exercises are based on scenarios of increasing difficulty – from simple tactical missions to complex, large-scale air operations in a close-to-real-war setting. The quality of the training is continuously evaluated through IT-supported follow-up and real-time monitoring of the missions.
Since its foundation, a total of 55 “Anatolian Eagle” exercises have been carried out – with over 41,000 participating soldiers, 3,394 aircraft and around 27,000 missions, corresponding to over 45,600 flying hours. The aim is to sustainably improve tactical understanding, interoperability and error detection and correction for all participants.
„Königgrätz war ein Wendepunkt – nicht nur für Preußen und Österreich“
The “Anatolian Eagle” exercises have a clear operational focus. The focus is on:
- increasing the level of operational training for pilots and air defense forces,
- practicing joint and multinational (combined) deployment procedures,
- the minimization of losses and simultaneous maximization of the operational effect under realistic conditions,
- Tactical training in the large unit framework, including the execution of complex air operations,
- the exchange of experiences and lessons learned,
- as well as training under operational conditions with a focus on survival, reaction and adaptation in a high-threat scenario.
Konya under construction as a center of excellence
Extensive investments have been made since the first “AE” in 2001: New buildings, launch and maintenance platforms, maintenance facilities and parking areas have been created. The Turkish armed forces are pursuing the strategic goal of developing “Anatolian Eagle” into the world’s leading multinational tactical training center – a center of excellence that will set standards both technologically and operationally.
The scenario used in “AE 25” meets the standards of international large-scale exercises and is completely fictitious, yet realistic. Political or historical references are expressly excluded – however, the structure and dynamics reflect actual security policy threats that are also of direct relevance to Turkey.
Realistic scenario with a multinational focus
The core of this year’s exercise was a fictitious conflict scenario between the democratic “Blueland” (50 million inhabitants, NATO-close) and the authoritarian “Redland” (40 million inhabitants, military coup in 2019, modernization course). Redland had mixed western-eastern aircraft (including F-16, F-15, MiG-29, Su-30) as well as a complex surface-to-air missile network consisting of SA-6, SA-11, Hawk and ZSU 23-4.
The Blueland forces flew 196 sorties against 80 targets, including 26 predefined air-to-ground targets. The attacks had to be carried out against intensive air defense by Redland F-16s and modern SAM systems – using realistic tactics, SEAD operations and electronic warfare. The target areas were heavily secured by Redland units – in particular by ten F-16s of the 132nd Filo, which acted as an “aggressor” squadron.
Coordination at the highest technical level
The “White Headquarters” formed the operational heart of the exercise – this is where the “AE” staff planned all training courses and carried out statistical evaluations. It acts as the central control center and think tank for the entire maneuver.
The Command & Control Center (CCC) is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and enables real-time tracking of all flight movements using ACMI (Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation). It processes data from AWACS, ground-based radars and the target and effect data from air defense systems. The MASE operations center (Multi Aegis Site Emulator) is also located here – all AE sorties and daily flight movements are coordinated from here.
Another key element is the large briefing room with a capacity of 450 people, where final briefings are held before flights and structured debriefings after missions. This comprehensive infrastructure makes Konya one of the most modern training hubs for tactical air warfare in the world.
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Modern ACMI system “Made in Türkiye”
Since 2021, the Turkish Air Force has been using a new, locally developed ACMI system (Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation), which was developed by the Turkish company SDT. After more than two and a half years of testing by test and tactical squadrons at the Eskişehir and Konya air bases, the system is now being used on a large scale.
The SDT ACMI system offers advanced functions for realistic training in air-to-air (A/A) and air-to-ground (A/G) combat – including:
- Autonomous real-time position tracking,
- Weapon simulations,
- Real-Time Kill Notifications (RTKN),
- Mission planning,
- Live monitoring and
- structured debriefings (post-mission analysis).
Thanks to powerful RF data links and integrated processor architecture, the system enables an LVC-capable (Live Virtual Constructive) training environment under real flight conditions – with multiple threat and target sources simultaneously. A total of 60 SDT-ACMI systems have already been procured, which will gradually replace the Elbit EHUD system previously used by the Turkish Air Force.
Red Forces in the separate area
The exercise structure provides for a clear separation between the opposing forces: The Red Forces (adversary role) plan and brief exclusively in a specially assigned building, the so-called “Red Building”. Access is strictly limited – only members of the Red Forces are allowed to enter the building, and they are also prohibited from accessing other areas of the base. This organizational separation serves to ensure scenario fidelity and prevents the unwanted transfer of information between exercise participants.
Infrastructure for multinational operational readiness – “Anatolian Eagle” continues to grow
The national and international squadrons taking part in the “Anatolian Eagle” exercises are spread across the Blue-1, Blue-2 and Blue-3 buildings. Each building complex has its own briefing rooms for situation briefings, mission planning and tactical brainstorming sessions for the individual squadrons.
A central accommodation building with a capacity of 260 rooms and 520 beds was built before 2002. This at least partially remedied the accommodation deficit at the time. In the following years, two further accommodation buildings, an officers’ and non-commissioned officers’ club, a restaurant and other infrastructure and leisure facilities were built on the same site. Expansion work is still ongoing today in order to accommodate the growing number of participating countries.
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C2, GCI and tanker support in real time
During the exercise, NATO AWACS and the Turkish E-7T Peace Eagle aircraft will provide comprehensive C2 (Command & Control) support for the Blueland forces. At the same time, the ground-based radar at the airbase will provide GCI (Ground Controlled Interception) functionality for the Redland forces. Both sides are refueled by KC-135R tankers of the Turkish Air Force – a decisive contribution to the duration and flexibility of the complex exercise.
Turkish Navy also integrated
As parts of the exercise airspace also extended over the eastern Mediterranean, “Anatolian Eagle 25” was accompanied by four Turkish surface ships for the first time: The frigates and landing ships “TCG Akar”, “Gediz”, “Zipkin” and “Bafra” took on the role of maritime anti-surface warfare platforms to support the air operations.
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Modern, multidimensional and technologically leading
As Major General Kuş explained at a media briefing, “AE 25” was the first edition of the exercise to be fully geared towards a modern, dynamic and multidimensional operational scenario. The planning was based heavily on operational experience from Ukraine (-> Latest news from the Ukraine war) and the Middle East.
A realistic cruise missile scenario was integrated for the first time: The Blueland forces carried out interception and destruction operations against a simulated wave of cruise missiles launched by Redland units.
It was also the first time that unmanned systems were used exclusively for direct air strikes in a major international exercise under conventional conditions. The Akinci, Anka-S and Anka-3 UAVs took over the strike part, while manned fighter jets from the Blueland side carried out escort and protection missions. This is considered a particularly advanced example of the integration of manned and unmanned systems – a testament to the technological change in the Turkish defense industry.
The focus was on the early detection, identification and combating of these complex threats – as part of joint missions involving both airborne and ground-based platforms. The situation picture was supported by NATO AWACS (E-3 Sentry) and Turkish E-7T “Wedgetail” systems.
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“AE 25” with simulated cruise missile attacks
A central element of ƒAnatolian Eagle 25 was the realistic simulation of cruise missile attacks by the fictitious “Redland” against the armed forces of “Blueland”. To make this threat credible, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) provided the Şimşek and Super-Şimşek target drones, which were specially developed to simulate stealthy, hard-to-detect cruise missiles (low-RCS). The launches were carried out by Anka III UAVs, which reached speeds of up to Mach 0.8.
The scenario was supplemented by SEAD missions (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses): F-16s of the Turkish Air Force attacked air defense positions of the Redland forces in the Konya training area with AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles. These complex operations not only challenged the pilots’ flying skills, but also tested the performance of the mission planners, command and control (C2) elements and ground-based support teams.
Technology transfer through Turkish industry
A central element of “AE 25” was the prominent role of the Turkish armed forces. Among others, the following were deployed:
- UAVs: Baykar Akinci, TAI Anka-S and Anka-3
- Cruise missile drones: Şimşek and Super-Şimşek
- Electronic warfare: Havasoj, Karasoj, Ihasoj
- Mission tracking: SDT ACMI systems with live kill feedback and LVC compatibility
- Management software: STORM & C2SE
A fully integrated Manned-Unmanned Combat mission was rehearsed for the first time: UAVs flew independent air strikes, escorted by manned fighter jets. Coordination was carried out via NATO AWACS, Turkish E-7T Peace Eagle (AEW&C) and KC-135R tankers.
Procedure and symbolism: “AE 25” with two intensive weeks of training and a spectacular “Elephant Walk”
The phase before the start of the actual mission flights was used for deployment and preparation: from June 16, the participating jets, ground teams and cargo aircraft arrived at the 3rd Main Jet Base in Konya. This was followed by central mass-in briefings, briefing flights and the planning of the Eagle missions – concluded by the first major tactical briefing on Friday, June 20.
The first week of the exercise consisted of four and a half days of operations, with two combined sorties per day – one morning flight (“Eagle 1”) and one afternoon flight (“Eagle 2”). The second week ran for four full days with two sorties each. On Friday, July 4, the final “mass-out” briefing and the departure of the participant squadrons were on the program.
“Elephant Walk” as a powerful symbol of multinational commitment
A special highlight was the “Spotters Day” on July 2, which was attended by over 1,000 aviation enthusiasts. The highlight: the impressive “Elephant Walk” – a formation of 30 military aircraft from all participating nations, which flew along the runway in close succession, led by an iconic F-4E Phantom.
In military aviation, the term “elephant walk” refers to the tightly staggered taxiing of several aircraft in formation – usually before a take-off or as a symbolic demonstration. It stands for the strength, coordination and operational readiness of the air forces involved – and once again demonstrated the operational depth and multinational dimension of the exercise during “AE 25”.
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Blueland Order of Battle: Turkish nuclear forces, Azerbaijani Su-25s and the AEW&C Peace Eagle system
The fictitious Blueland forces in “Anatolian Eagle 25” were essentially provided by the Turkish Air Force. They were deployed:
- F-16 in various roles (SEAD, Multi-Role, Escort),
- the E-7T “Peace Eagle” air surveillance and command and control aircraft,
- KC-135R tanker and
- the UAVs Baykar Akinci and TAI Anka-S, with the latter operating from a separate airfield.
The Turkish AEW&C system Peace Eagle – high-end radar platform from Ankara
The E-7T Peace Eagle is based on the Boeing 737NG platform and represents a modern alternative to the classic E-3 Sentry. Instead of a rotating radar, it uses a fixed AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar with a long range and high targeting accuracy.
A total of four E-7T systems were procured by the Turkish Air Force, including the ground segment. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) acted as prime contractor for the construction, testing and conversion of three of the four aircraft; the first was converted in the USA by Boeing. Other key roles were played by Turkish companies such as HAVELSAN, which is responsible for system integration, software and ground segments.
The machines bear the names:
- Kuzey (North) – First takeover on February 21, 2014
- Güney (South)
- Doğu (East)
- Batı (West) – delivery at the end of 2015
Azerbaijani Su-25: fighter jets with combat experience
Azerbaijan provided two Su-25 Frogfoot ground attack aircraft from Kürdamir Air Base as international participation on the blueland side. The Azerbaijani air force had already taken part in “AE” several times as part of bilateral TuAz exercises. Strikingly, the aircraft bore a large number of mission markings on the left side of the fuselage – presumably from the conflict with Armenia.
The Belarusian Talisman Airborne Defense Suite (ADS) system was mounted under the left wing – an electronic protection system that offers protection against active and semi-active radar and infrared-guided air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles (AAM/SAM). It can also prevent friendly fire threats from own guided missiles or air defense systems.
Political context: Tensions between NATO and Turkey
Despite the close NATO ties, the relationship between Ankara and the alliance has recently been strained on several occasions – for example by the Turkish acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems, as well as the exploration missions of the research vessel Onuç Reis west of Cyprus, accompanied by a full flotilla of Turkish Navy combat ships.
At the last NATO summit, however, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sought to ease the tension in the relationship, particularly with regard to Turkey’s strategic role as a training and deployment base.
Participating nations (selection)
- Turkish Air Force: 10 squadrons (including 113th, 132nd, 151st, 161st Filo) with F-16s, E-7Ts, UAVs, tankers
- NATO: E-3A Sentry (C2)
- US Armed Forces: 12× F-16
- Azerbaijan: 2× Su-25 (A/G, with Talisman ADS)
- Saudi Arabia: 6× F-15
- Qatar: 3× Eurofighter Typhoon
- Jordan: 3× F-16
- Hungary: 3x Saab Gripen (Air-to-Air)
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Turkish Navy: Frigates “TCG Akar”, “Gediz”, “Zipkin”, “Bafra” in ASuW deployment
Conclusion: “AE” becomes Europe’s tactical center of excellence
With over 27,000 missions since 2001, more than 41,000 participating soldiers and a permanently expanded infrastructure, Konya has established itself as a strategic training hub in the NATO area. The Turkish Armed Forces continue to invest in sensor technology, UAV integration and electronic warfare – with the clear aim of developing “Anatolian” Eagle into the leading multinational center for tactical air operations in Europe and Eurasia.
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